Noting recent weather systems in the month of October including low pressure areas and typhoons that brought heavy rains and flooding, the Department of Health (DOH) records an increase of 2.5x in the number of Leptospirosis cases nationwide from October 27 to November 9, 2024, with 594 cases reported compared to the 234 cases from October 13 to 26, 2024. A total of 7,234 cases were reported as of November 23, 2024. This is 19% higher compared to the 6,058 cases in the same period last year.

Despite the significant increase in the number of Leptospirosis cases, a lower Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9.12% was reported compared to the CFR of 10.83% in the same period of 2023.

The continued decrease in CFR despite the rising number of Leptospirosis cases this year is attributed to improved case management, with the anticipation that typhoons could flood different areas in the country.

Ahead of the six recent typhoons, starting with typhoon Kristine, the DOH reiterated the importance of washing with soap and water once exposed to floodwaters to lower the risk of Leptospirosis.

The Department also consistently stressed the value of early consultation for proper assessment and prescription of prophylaxis.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, headache, and reddish eyes. In severe cases, symptoms include yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light stools, low urine output, and severe headache resulting from liver, kidney, and brain involvement.

As the Amihan season ushers in cooler breeze with some rains across the Philippines, the Department is also closely tracking respiratory infections, particularly influenza-like illnesses (ILI). As of November 23, 2024, there have been 161,555 ILI cases reported nationwide, 18% lower compared to the 196,045 cases recorded during the same period in 2023.

The public is urged to take preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, wearing masks when unwell, practicing proper cough etiquette, and seeking medical advice when symptoms arise, to help curb the spread of respiratory infections.

"Sa huling bahagi ng taon, dala ng bagyo at pagbaha ang leptospirosis, habang ang mas malamig na panahon naman ay maaaring magdulot ng flu-like diseases. Pero kayang maiwasan ang mga sakit na ito sa pamamagitan ng simpleng mga hakbang, said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Hermosa.

His advice: “Hugasan ang kamay at katawan gamit ang sabon at tubig, at agarang kumonsulta sa ating mga doktor at health workers kung napalusong sa baha, kahit walang nararamdaman.”

“Kung may sintomas ng ubo’t sipon, mas magandang manatili na muna sa bahay para wag nang kumalat ito - at maghugas rin palagi ng kamay," Herbosa added.